Audio Research SP9 Tube / Solid State Hybrid Preamp with Phono Input

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

These ARC preamps are our best sellers.

The SP series, as opposed to the LS series, features a built-in phono preamp section for convenient connection to your turntable.

Legendary warm tones, mostly due to tube harmonics, is the signature for these preamps.

In perfect working and overall cosmetic condition. We've only rated this an 8 for "Physical Condition" due to its age and the fact that we're super conservative.

Yes its priced like the day it left the factory in the late 1980's - but well worth it as you're not likely to find a better sounding preamp in this price range.

Important Phono Stage Notes:

This unit is factory configured with 47K Ohm, 560pf Cartridge loading. This is ideal for most MM (Moving-Magnet) and High Output MC (Moving-Coil) Cartridges.

This setting can be changed by the end user by removing and soldering in new components on a set of terminal posts on the underside of the amp.

The SP-9 also comes with an adjustable gain setting. This example is factory configured for high gain. A reduced gain option is available to offer more usable range in the volume control for efficient systems.

Details and Specifications:

INTRODUCED
1987

OPTIONS
Remote control $500 (1994)

MSRP
SP9: $1,695

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
High Level Section: ±.5dB, 5 Hz to 50 kHz, - 3dB points below 1 Hz and above 200kHz. Phono: ±.3dB of RIAA, 30Hz to 40kHz.

DISTORTION (THD)
Less than 0.1% at 2V RMS output. (Typically less than 0.005% in midband)

NOISE & HUM
High Level: (1) 70 µV RMS maximum residual unweighted wideband noise at main output with gain control minimum (98 dB below 5V RMS output). (2) More than 100dB below 1V RMS input (less than 7µV equivalent input noise). Phono: 0.12 µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, shorted input (78dB below 1 mV input).

GAIN
Phono input to tape output: 46dB. Phono input to main output: 66dB. High level inputs to tape output: 0dB. High level inputs to main output: 20dB.

INPUT IMPEDANCE
50K ohms line inputs. 40K phono (Phono provisions for any value below 47K ohms or added input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges).

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
500 ohms main output. 850 ohms recorder output. Recommended load 60K ohms and 100pF. (20K ohms minimum and 1000pF maximum).

OUTPUT POLARITY
-

MAXIMUM INPUTS
Phono, 200mV at 1kHz (1000 mV RMS, 10kHz). High level inputs essentially overload proof.

RATED OUTPUTS
2V RMS 5Hz to 50kHz, all outputs; 60K ohm load (main output capability is 50 V RMS output at 1/2% THD at 1kHz into a 100K ohm load with 5V RMS high level input)

POWER SUPPLIES
Electronically–regulated low and high voltage supplies and electronic decoupling. Shielded toroid transformer. Line Regulation better than .01%.

TUBE COMPLEMENT
(2) 6DJ8/ECC88.

POWER REQUIREMENTS
100-135 VAC 60 Hz (200-270 VAC 50/60Hz) 50 watts max.

DIMENSIONS
19” (48 cm) W x 5 1/4” (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 10 1/4” (26 cm) D. Handles extend 1 5/8” (4.1 cm) forward of the front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend 7/8” (2.3 cm).

WEIGHT
13 lbs. (5.9 kg) Net; 22 lbs. (10 kg) Shipping.

Audio Research SP9 Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI:

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. Please note that all local pickup items are only wrapped with industrial strength clear cling stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.

Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.

And if you’re looking to ship to Canada, simply follow this link to view and purchase this item. We ship to Canada via UPS Worldwide Expedited service and you’re responsible for any applicable import duties and taxes.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box.

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions.

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WHO WE ARE:

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES:

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers.

PAYMENTS:

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card, bank transfer, and their special financing to spread out payments over six months. We do not charge extra for any PayPal fees if you purchase the item at the asking price. You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or bank wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer.

If you’re picking up an item, we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified check, bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned.

TRADE IN POLICY:

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:

We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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